Mumbai, Jan 30 (IANS): A benchmark index of Indian equities markets Friday scaled a new high of 29,844.16 points surpassing its previous high of 29,786.32 points touched Jan 28.

While good buying was observed in IT and auto sectors, selling pressure was seen in metal and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.

The 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 29,801.60 points, was trading at 29,737.70 points (at 09.26 a.m.) in the early session, up 55.93 points or 0.19 percent from the previous day's close at 29,681.77 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 29,844.16 points and a low of 29,650.33 points in the trade so far.

The S&P IT index gained by 163.31 points and auto index moved up by 116.40 points. However, metal index dropped by 45.59 points and FMCG index fell by 20.99 points.

The wider 50-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) was also trading 2.15 points or 0.02 percent up at 8954.50 points. It touched a record high of 8,996.60 points during the morning trade.